McTominay contract stand-off at Napoli opens door to Manchester United return

Scott McTominay’s future at Napoli is in doubt after the Scotland international entered a contract stand-off with the Italian club, with Manchester United among the sides reported to have already enquired about re-signing the midfielder they sold for £25.9 million in the summer of 2024.

McTominay has been a consistent performer since leaving Old Trafford, helping Napoli win the Serie A title in his debut season in Naples before the club finished second behind Inter Milan last term. Despite that settled run of form, talks over a new deal have stalled, and reports suggest he could be available as early as the January transfer window if an agreement cannot be reached.

United, Aston Villa and Real Madrid have all been credited with interest, according to reports citing enquiries made to McTominay’s camp. His representatives are said to be in dialogue with several Premier League clubs, though it is unclear whether United are currently among them in an active capacity.

Italian newspaper Il Mattino has reported that McTominay has instructed his agents to push for a resolution with Napoli first, suggesting a departure is not yet inevitable. However, the player is described as “open” to a return to the Premier League should talks with the Italian club break down entirely.

A reunion with United would represent a significant shift in thinking at Old Trafford. The club moved to reinforce their midfield considerably last summer, bringing in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba on permanent deals — suggesting the position was not viewed as a priority area heading into this season.

Whether United firm up their reported interest into a concrete offer remains to be seen, but the situation at Napoli means McTominay’s name is unlikely to disappear from the transfer conversation before the January window opens.